WASHINGTON – The Nationals took an early lead by being patient at the plate. Then, they put the game out of reach with two powerful swings of the bat.
The Nats combined for eight walks and two home runs to beat the Blue Jays, 8-6, on Tuesday at Nationals Park.
Washington opened the game by drawing six walks against Toronto starter Shane Bieber in the first inning. The Nationals scored four runs in that frame, including three bases-loaded walks. The Nats got to the Blue Jays’ bullpen after just two-thirds of an inning.
The Nationals set a team record (2005-present) for the most walks drawn in a single inning in team history. They had drawn five free bases three times, but not in seven years: June 10, 2005 vs. Mariners (eighth inning); May 5, 2009 vs. Astros (sixth inning); April 7, 2019 vs. Mets (fifth inning).
The Nationals saw 27 balls thrown by Bieber, the most by any pitcher (in any inning) since Dallas Keuchel on May 2, 2016, with the Astros.
After drawing walks in bunches, the Nats hit home runs the same way.
Luis García Jr. crushed his 22nd home run of the season in the fourth inning against Mason Fluharty. It was his third homer of the year against a southpaw.
Following a pitching change, Dylan Crews went yard in the next at-bat off right-hander CJ Van Eyk. It was the fourth time this season the Nationals went back-to-back. The last time was July 19 at the Athletics, when Crews and CJ Abrams homered in tandem.